The ceremonial signing of the Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (RIRR) of Republic Act No. 10592, known as the Good Conduct Time Allowance (GCTA) Law, took place today, December 13, 2024, at the New Conference Room of the National Headquarters of the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) in Muntinlupa City.
The ceremonial signing brought together distinguished officials and international representatives including USEC DEO L. MARCO and USEC RAUL T. VASQUEZ from the Department of Justice; USEC SERAFIN P. BARRETTO JR. from the Department of the Interior and Local Government; Jail Director RUEL S RIVERA, DSC, Chief, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology; Atty. REY DANIEL GONZAGA from the Parole and Probation Administration; Atty. RONALD R. MACOROL from the Public Attorney’s Office; MR. MARTIN PERFECTO and DR. NICK TOBIA from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime; and BuCor DIRECTOR GENERAL GREGORIO PIO P CATAPANG JR., AFP (RET.), CESE, CCLH.
The updated RIRR responds to the Supreme Court’s recent ruling, which clarified that individuals convicted of heinous crimes are eligible to earn GCTA credits, allowing for the reduction of their prison sentences through good behavior.
The RIRR of RA 10592 seeks to enhance the implementation of the GCTA law, which grants time allowances to Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) who exhibit good behavior. The revised framework will emphasize the state’s commitment to restorative and compassionate justice that will transform PDLs into productive and law-abiding members of society. The revised rules ensure that time allowances are applied retroactively, provided that the PDL is not disqualified under RA 10592. For PDLs under preventive imprisonment before the law’s effectivity, Credit for Preventive Imprisonment (CPI) and accrued time allowances remain applicable even if they are otherwise disqualified.
The RIRR’s implementation is expected to encourage PDLs to engage actively in rehabilitation programs, reducing recidivism and contributing to a safer and more just society.
